Should I go to Orvieto?

There is so much to do in Rome.... but if you have a day to get out of town, Orvieto would be my choice.
..
Ostia is easily reached by train... lots of walking.. not that much to see..

Impossible to give definitive advice.
I've been to Orvieto at least 4 times.
To Rome at least 8 times.
I love both places so much.
The last 4 trips we've taken to Italy, we've never omitted Orvieto...and never, ever felt it was a waste of time or that we wish we'd spent more time in Rome.

That said, if you're not going to stay overnight in Orvieto, I don't think I'd bother. It's just a different place when you can experience it as an overnighter, imo.

Had only a brief stay in Orvieto but found it charming. Still wish I had bought that painting of a farmhouse with poppys that I saw.

My niece and I had limited time to vacation from Rome to Milan before a conference so after just two days in Rome (we would have liked 3 or 4), we took the train to Orvieto and stayed overnight. It was so different, we were glad we took the time. It was quiet--dramatically so after noisy Rome, quaint, and my niece really enjoyed the historical tour of the caves/tunnels. So, I would suggest 5 days in Rome, then an overnight in Orvieto. Depending on your routing/plans, you could go there midday to midday.BY TRAIN: the train linking Rome-Florence goes past Orvieto. Train takes about 1.25 hrs with service every hour. Then the funicular.

Once you're there, if you feel like getting out of Rome, then take a day trip to Orvieto.

I was once in Rome in May and it was so hot and crowded that I had to escape. I hopped on the train to Orvieto. I'd been to Orvieto a few times prior, but enjoyed another visit and escaping the heat and crowds for a day.

To this day, my mother raves about her daytrip to Orvieto as if it were heaven. I'm sure if we had arranged for an overnight she may have taken up residence. Try to go if it fits your schedule.
--Annie

Here are a few links to attractions in Orvieto. I spent 5 nights there, and loved it. What a contrast to a big, busy city like Rome.

Orvieto
http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/italy/orvieto/cathedral/duomo.html
http://www.pozzodellacava.it/caves/index.html
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Orvieto_Pozzo_San_Patrizio_1.JPG
http://www.argoweb.it/orvieto/orvieto.uk.html
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/Europe/Italy/Umbria/Terni/Orvieto/Orvieto/environs/Crocifisso_di_Tufo/home.html
http://www.orvietounderground.it/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26

Oh, I neglected to say that we used Angel Tours to visit Ostia Antica. It adds so much to have an enthusiastic, knowledgeable guide.

http://www.angeltoursrome.com/

YvonneT, Thanks for all those links. My next trip, I want to include Orvieto.

I'll be in Rome in 3 weeks and have planned a day trip to Orvieto, the info here is great.

For daytrippeers to Orvieto: My favorite restaurant in all of Italy is I Sette Consoli. The chef (a woman) had a star, but somehow lost it. Lunch under the tents in the garden is memorable.

Orvieto is wonderful - Spend the night! Read about this first-hand experience and also some helpful suggestions at http://www.roninrome.com/2009/05/09/orvieto-day-trip-from-rome/

No one has mentioned the gelato shop on the lefthand side of the street from the cathedral into town. I can't remember the name, but it has a blue sign listing all the flavors. It's the best. Wish I had some now; sigh.

Yes! If you can fit in everything on your 'must see' list in Rome, you should go to Orvieto! Though not far from Rome, they are apples and oranges. Rome is big and wonderful. Orvieto quaint and wonderful! If it were me, I'd want to get out of the city for a day. What a great dilemma!

jojuice,

I do love Orvieto. We stayed there 3 nights and did daytrips around in Umbria. That said, what time of year are you going?

Just to confuse you further, the last trip I did a day out to Tivoli to see Hadrian's Villa and the Villa d'Este - true renaissance garden and palazzo with thousands of incredible, delightful fountains. Also recommend this day trip highly!!

I wouldn't plan on an overnight stop but would decide when you are there whether to take the easy day trip to Orvieto. There is certainly more than enough to keep you busy in Rome.

I agree -- make up your mind about visiting Orvieto after you have been in Rome a couple of days. You may find there is so much to do that you can't take the time.

On the other hand, we love Orvieto and never tire of going there.